I've learned so much from the modern and contemporary art units, which have given me the language that I needed to talk about modern art. Feel lucky to have Stephen Farthing as a tutor as he encourage... See more
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I have learned so much through doing this course which I think is very good value for money. The modules are easy to read and the assignments challenging enough to really make me think. The feedback f... See more
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I am so enjoying this course. I haven't studied for years and I'm finding it so interesting and rewarding. My mentor is great- he marks my assignments promptly and gives me constructive and positive f... See more
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I wanted to discuss my toe into the world of History of Art without having to commit to an MA or Post Grad course. The fact that this course is online (split into 12 assessed modules) is perfect. The... See more
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Company details
- #18 of 124 best companies in Educational institution
Written by the company
The Art Appreciation Course is provided by The Art Institute, presented and curated by art and antiques consultant Hilary Kay. Hilary has brought together 12 passionate art specialists to create an introductory course designed to provide you with a broad understanding of Western art, its history and the world that surrounds it. The Art Institute is registered with the UK Register of Learning Providers: UK Provider Reference Number is 10027300.
The Art Institute
Written by the company
- Start an Exciting New Hobby or Career
- The Art Appreciation course is delivered online, consisting of 12 comprehensive modules and 12 corresponding assignments. The course is designed to be self-paced. Normally you would expect to be dedicating on average about 4-6 hours per week for 24 weeks. However, many students take up to one year to complete their studies because of family or work commitments. Students have the opportunity to delve deeper into specific areas of interest in art by purchasing Advanced Modules. These are similar to short courses and are specially formulated materials to challenge motivated students to achieve more.
Guarantee
7 Day money back guarantee
Not happy? Contact us within 7 days of your enrolment to receive a full refund.
Contact info
330 High Holborn, WC2A 1HL, London , United Kingdom
- support@theartinstitute.co.uk
- theartinstitute.co.uk
4.9
Excellent
348 reviews
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Five stars
An excellent course with well structured modules. Responsive tutors who go that extra mile with feedback and encouragement. Cant recommend it highly enough!
3 July 2026
Reply from The Art Institute
Hi Jacqui,
We're so glad to hear you found our course excellent and the modules well-structured. It's wonderful to know our tutors' feedback and encouragement made a difference. We truly appreciate your high recommendation!
Don't eat too many M&Ms!
I've learned so much from the modern and contemporary art units, which have given me the language that I needed to talk about modern art. Feel lucky to have Stephen Farthing as a tutor as he encourages independent thinking, as long as its backed up with a logical argument. If The Art Institute ever offered a course in Asian and African Art, I'd be keen (once I've taken off the 5kgs from eating M&Ms while reading about art!)
30 June 2026
Reply from The Art Institute
Hi Sarah,
We're so happy to hear how much you've gained from the modern and contemporary art units, and that you feel equipped with the language to discuss modern art effectively. It's wonderful that you appreciate the encouragement of independent thinking from your tutor. We also appreciate your suggestion for courses in Asian and African Art; we are always looking for ways to expand our offerings.
Highly recommended
The content is excellent and very well presented. Tutor feedback is prompt and very detailed. I have thoroughly enjoyed the course.
27 June 2026
Reply from The Art Institute
We're so glad you enjoyed the course and found the content excellent! We appreciate your kind words about our prompt and detailed tutor feedback, Dougie.
Thoroughly enjoying this course!
I have learned so much through doing this course which I think is very good value for money. The modules are easy to read and the assignments challenging enough to really make me think. The feedback from my tutor has been encouraging and helpful. I have been inspired to visit galleries and learn more about individual artists - particularly female artists.
24 June 2026
Reply from The Art Institute
Thank you so much, TJ! We’re really glad to hear you’re getting so much from the course and finding the modules engaging and thought-provoking. It’s great to know your tutor’s feedback is supporting your progress, and that you’re feeling inspired to explore more artists.
After completing the 10th module
After completing the 10th module, I am really enjoying the course, especially last 4 modules, the ideas discussed and the assignments are great and push you to search and dig deeper into the subject. The feedback from the tutor is helpful detailed and constructive, prepares you well to get better in future assignments. Also the support team are quite responsive. Amazing course, I learned about ideas in Art I never knew existed.
19 June 2026
Reply from The Art Institute
Haidar, we're so glad to hear you're enjoying the course. We appreciate your kind words about the course, our tutor feedback and responsive support team. Thank you for sharing your positive experience!
A new appreciation of Historic art
Half way through the ArtAppreciation course,I have learnt so much. The modules I have completed have been comprehensive , giving many insights into the development of art and art movements through the centuries.
Not being a fan of the historic art movements, I have been able to more fully learn, appreciate and understand the works of those eras.
The assignments are thought provoking, encouraging further research, compounding the information given in the modules.
Tutor, Stephen Farthing, has given in-depth and constructive guidance in his prompt marking and feedback.
I am finding the course enjoyable, stimulating and most
informative
10 February 2026
Unprompted review
Reply from The Art Institute
Hi Judith 😊
Thank you for your wonderful feedback! We're delighted to hear that the course has helped you develop a deeper appreciation and understanding of historic art movements. It's great to know that you're finding the modules comprehensive, the assignments engaging, and the learning experience both enjoyable and stimulating.
We're also pleased that Stephen's feedback and guidance have been valuable throughout your studies. We wish you continued enjoyment and success as you progress through the course!
The Art Institute Art Appreciation Online Course…
I would recommend The Art Institute Art Appreciation online course for anyone interested in understanding more about art. It covers a lot of ground and information about art and artists, what I like is the social and political context of the period under study.
2 June 2026
Reply from The Art Institute
Thank you for your lovely feedback, MG! We're so pleased to hear you enjoyed the course and would recommend it to others. It's wonderful that you found the social and political context of each period particularly interesting, as it can add so much depth to our understanding of art and artists. Happy learning! 😊
Great course. Thank you!
The modules are well written and informative and I’m learning a lot. The course work is challenging but that’s not a bad thing! It’s certainly stretching me to learn about areas of art that I previously knew nothing about.
31 May 2026
Reply from The Art Institute
Thank you for your lovely review, Vivien! 😊
We're delighted to hear that you're enjoying the course and learning so much along the way. It's wonderful to know that the coursework is challenging you to explore new areas of art and expand your knowledge.
We wish you continued success and enjoyment as you progress through the course!
It does what it says on the tin!
The teaching materials are excellent. Every part of each module is expertly explained in some detail but sufficiently broad enough to allow you to follow up with your own reading and research. The tutors are available for guidance when you need it and when work is submitted it is marked promptly and with good guidance and advice on how to improve when needed.
30 May 2026
Reply from The Art Institute
Thank you for your thoughtful review, Kevin! 😊
We're delighted to hear that you've found the teaching materials engaging, well-structured, and detailed while still encouraging further exploration and independent research. It's also wonderful to know that the support from your tutors and the prompt, constructive feedback on assignments have contributed positively to your learning experience.
Thank you for being part of our Art Institute community. We wish you continued enjoyment and success as you progress through the course!
Reply from The Art Institute
We're glad you enjoyed your experience, Philip! We appreciate your positive feedback.
An Engaging and Insightful Introduction to European Art History have greatly enjoyed the course so…
I have greatly enjoyed the course so far and found it both intellectually stimulating and very well structured. The modules provide an excellent balance between historical context, artistic analysis, and wider cultural interpretation, making complex developments in art history accessible without oversimplifying them.
One of the strongest aspects of the course is the way it links artworks to broader social, political, and philosophical ideas. For example, the discussions around the Counter-Reformation, academic theory, Rococo culture, and Neoclassicism have helped demonstrate that art history is not simply about style, but about changing ideas, institutions, and values.
The written materials are detailed and academically rigorous, yet still engaging to read. I particularly appreciate the inclusion of close visual analysis alongside discussion of theory and historical context. The use of specific artworks to illustrate larger themes has been especially helpful in developing essay-writing skills.
The course also does an excellent job of introducing debate and complexity rather than presenting art history as a fixed narrative. Discussions of issues such as the hierarchy of genres, the role of the art market, and the challenges faced by women artists have added important critical perspectives.
Overall, the course has significantly deepened my understanding and appreciation of European art history and has encouraged more confident analytical thinking about artworks and their contexts.
25 May 2026
Reply from The Art Institute
Thanks so much, David! We’re really glad to hear you’ve been enjoying the course and finding it both engaging and intellectually rewarding. It’s great that the structure, along with the balance of historical context, artistic analysis, and wider cultural interpretation, has helped make complex ideas in art history feel more accessible.
We’re especially pleased that you’ve found value in how the course connects artworks to broader social, political, and philosophical themes, as well as the inclusion of critical perspectives and debate. It’s wonderful to know this has supported your understanding and helped build your confidence in analysing artworks more deeply.
We really appreciate your thoughtful feedback, and we’re delighted the course has contributed so positively to your appreciation of art history. Wishing you continued enjoyment as you move forward through the modules! ✨
High quality course with excellent material and support.
The quality of the course material and the scope of its content is excellent. The modules are thorough, informative, thought provoking and topical.
The tutor support is encouraging, honest and marking is returned promptly.
I have grown in my appreciation of art/culture and history as a result of this course.
18 May 2026
Reply from The Art Institute
Thank you so much, Larry 😊
It’s wonderful to hear how much you’ve enjoyed the depth and scope of the course content, and that it’s helped you grow your appreciation of art, culture, and history—that’s exactly the kind of meaningful learning experience we hope to create.
We’re also really pleased to hear your kind words about tutor support and feedback. Encouraging, thoughtful guidance, and timely marking are so important, and it’s great to know that’s been your experience throughout.
Wishing you continued enjoyment and inspiration as you move through the rest of your studies!
Absolutely love this course so far
Absolutely love this course so far. It has definitely exceeded my expectations. I’ve learned so much and look forward to learning more. It is interesting and challenging. I recommend this course to anyone who has an interest in art and wants to learn more.
15 May 2026
Reply from The Art Institute
Hi Carrie, thank you for your wonderful review! We’re so pleased to hear the course has exceeded your expectations and that you’re enjoying both the interesting and challenging aspects of it. It’s fantastic that you’ve already learned so much and are excited to continue learning more. Thank you for recommending the course to others with a passion for art — we wish you continued success on your creative journey!
Brilliant course and helpful lectures. …
Comprehensive lecturers assignments that ensure you think about the material and not just rewrite it fast marking and helpful comments.
A brilliant course I want more please !
5 May 2026
Reply from The Art Institute
Thank you so much, Mark!
We’re really glad to hear you’re enjoying both the lectures and the assignments — it’s great to know they’re helping you truly engage with the material. Fast, helpful feedback is something we really value, so your comments mean a lot.
And we love the enthusiasm — “want more please” is the best kind of feedback 😊 Thanks again for being part of the course!
Great course with a wide range of fascinating artists to learn about...
I enjoy the wide range of subject content. I am learning even more about all of the famous artists from throughout the ages as well as discovering unknown artists who are just as fascinating.
When I get the opportunity to visit exhibitions I feel as if I can do more than just simply look at a piece of artwork, I see much more now...
3 May 2026
Reply from The Art Institute
Thank you so much for your lovely feedback, Karen!
We’re really happy to hear you’re enjoying the wide range of subject content and discovering both well-known and lesser-known artists along the way. It’s wonderful that the course is helping you look at exhibitions with a deeper understanding and appreciation—that’s such a rewarding shift in perspective.
Wishing you continued enjoyment as you explore even more throughout your studies ✨
High quality, enjoyable course
I really enjoyed the course which I did for personal interest. It was a structured approach to learning about key art movements which you could do at your own pace. The reading modules and assignments were of high quality. My tutor was great who marked assignments within one business day and provided useful feedback and tips to continue learning outside of the course.
3 May 2026
Reply from The Art Institute
Thank you so much for your lovely feedback!
We’re really happy to hear you enjoyed the course and found it both structured and flexible enough to study at your own pace 😊 It’s great to know the modules and assignments felt high quality and engaging, especially for personal interest learning.
We’re also glad your tutor was able to provide such prompt and helpful feedback—that extra guidance really makes a difference in continuing your learning beyond the course.
Wishing you all the best, and thank you again for sharing your experience!
Art Institute London
The modules are well thought through and allow a new starter (like me!) to gain confidence as they progress to the end of the course.
My tutor responded quickly and made helpful comments.
When I contacted Admin re some queries they were quick to reply and again very helpful.
1 May 2026
Reply from The Art Institute
Thank you so much for your kind feedback!
We’re really glad to hear the modules are helping you build confidence as you progress—that’s exactly what we aim for, especially for those just starting out 😊
It’s also great to know your tutor and our support team have been responsive and helpful along the way.
Wishing you all the best as you continue through the course—we’re excited to see your progress! ✨
A brilliant course
A brilliant course. Covers not just art but covers a lot of social history. The course materials are high quality, well written and easy to follow. It's a challenging course, in a good way. It definitely gets you thinking and you won't enter a art gallery the same way after this course! Very thought provoking. I would highly recommend this course - no doubts go for it!
29 April 2026
Reply from The Art Institute
Thanks so much for sharing this, Lynn!
We’re really glad you enjoyed the depth of the course and how it connects art with social history—that added context can really change the way you experience galleries. It’s great to hear you found the material both engaging and thought-provoking, even when it challenged you a bit.
We truly appreciate your recommendation and are so happy the course left such a lasting impression 😊
I am enjoying learning at my own pace…
I am enjoying learning at my own pace using the core materials & resources suggested as well as further study of my own.
My tutor’s positive feedback is really helpful too.
I would recommend this course for anyone interested in Art .
28 April 2026
Wonderful experience
Excellent notes, friendly timeous and constructive guidance and feedback. So far a most enriching course. Also very good value for money. I would recommend this course to everyone interested in art.
25 April 2026
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